Nittany, as she's been named, was saved after a passerby walking her own dog in Crafton Heights noticed the injured dog dragging a metal contraption around her leg.

The woman called the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, which dispatched volunteers to track down the injured dog. After 48 hours, the dog was located and taken to a vet for treatment. The trap was removed and the wound was cleaned and bandaged. But rescuers say Nittany will likely lose the leg during surgery Wednesday.

“It’s gruesome. She has to be in some significant pain," said Mary Withrow.

Withrow is one of several Western Pennsylvania Humane Society staff members helping to nurse Nittany back to health.

The dog was named after the street on which she was found.

“When she was brought here, she was giving us kisses and her temperament is just so wonderful. Her demeanor is just amazing when you think of what she has been through," said Withrow.

She said rescuers have been in touch with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and have been told the trap in question is illegal within the state.

“Out there by herself, hungry, carrying around that thing. She had to be in so much pain. It’s heartbreaking, really," said Withrow.

Nittany will go up for adoption some time after her surgery.

To donate to the efforts at the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, visit wpahumane.org.